The Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) hosted its 2nd successful Youth Voice Conference (YVC) at the Bishop Anstey High School's Jubilee Hall last Friday – 22nd February 2024.
This year’s YVC focused on empowering youth, gave a listening ear to many young people who attended the conference to voice their opinion based on their individual research prior to their attendance.
Themed "An Ear For Youth”, served as a platform for engaging in discussions on crucial topics that impact the youth and young people in today’s growing and changing economy.
TTOC’s Trained Safeguarding Official and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union, Maria Thomas, Co-Founder of Can Bou Play Foundation and former National Footballer, Yohance Marshall, Geographic Information System Specialist, Dayreon Mitchell, as well as Family Case Manager, Children’s Life Fund, Authority Kelvin Polson lead the important discussions which delved into four significant themes;
- Safeguarding
- Social Inclusion and Integration
- Sport and Climate Change
- Community and Volunteerism
Keynote speaker and Master of Ceremonies, Akeisha Mc Donald, delivered an inspiring message, urging participants to, "Speak loud, Speak with positivity, Speak bigger, speak with vitality”.
A total of 11 schools participated in the conference, with representation from both Trinidad and Tobago. The event saw the active involvement of 81 students and teachers who eagerly contributed to the enlightening conversations from the panel discussions.
TTOC President, Diane Henderson in her opening remarks, encouraged with inspiring words. "Let your voices soar, unbothered by convention. Be courageous in your convictions, for it’s through dialogue that we seek understanding". Her words resonated with the audience, setting a positive tone for the entire conference. She added, “special thanks to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sport and Community Development, our key partners Puma, First Citizen Bank, and other sponsors, Holiday Foods and Subway who made this conference another successful event.
Panel One: Safeguarding, Maria Thomas
Briana Simon (SEPOS)
Kyra Lucio-Barrow (BAHS)
Jonah Boodjarrat (QRC)
Brandon de Souza (CIC)
Panel Two: Social Inclusion and Integration, Yohance Marshall
Genesis Gulston (St.Francois)
Lemuel Ogebeifun ( Bishop's High School)
Kayleigh Forde (SJC)
Soren Narine (Fatima)
Panel Three: Sport and Climate Change
Daquan Blackman (Fatima)
Destiny Duke ( Speyside)
Josiah Superville (Tranquility)
Kamia Holder (Woodbrook)
Chenica Small (Woodbrook)
Panel Four: Community and Volunteerism
Mayah Mohammed (SJC)
Adrian St.Rose (Fatima)
Jeniya Mars (SEPOS)
Annesia Kent (Bishop's High School)
Megan Perry (Speyside)
